Frequently Asked Questions on Baby “Exersaucers”

Are you looking for a baby activity centre and want some ideas?

In our review article on baby activity centres, we looked at some ‘exersaucers’. That’s not a misspelling but rather “exersaucer” is a type of saucer-shaped baby activity centre that includes some exercise functions. These can be bouncing, rotating or walking. So that begs the question “when can a baby use an exersaucer” and a lot of other similar questions.

So, we’ve written this FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide on a range of “when can baby uses an exersaucer” type questions. We hope you will find it informative and useful.

Ten Exersaucer Questions

1. What age do babies use exersaucers

Manufacturers guidelines vary slightly on exersaucers but they aren’t suited to very young babies who can’t hold their heads up. So what age do babies use exersaucers as they get older depends on you and your baby. Toddlers generally won’t be happy being put in an exersaucer as they will want to move around.

Some exersaucers are dual-use. That means younger babies play inside them and older toddlers still use the exersaucer as a play table. That saves you the cost of buying two.

2. When can babies use exersaucers outdoors? 

That depends on the weather. If it is cold but dry and they are wrapped up warm and you are out there with them, anytime. There are some specific exersaucer models with sun hoods to protect baby from UV rays. These exersaucer models with sun hoods are ideal if it’s strong sunlight, as babies have delicate skin which burns very easily.

Alternatively, keep your baby in the shade under an umbrella or something similar. Always remember to keep a good drink in their reach – or offer them a drink frequently so they can keep properly hydrated. Remember a young baby can’t really tell you they are thirsty. 

Then you both can have fun outside. Some older Babies may love to imitate what you are doing, so you might get them some plastic toy garden tools so they can ‘help you out’.

3. When can babies start using exersaucer walking functions

Some exersaucers allow walking. Any baby that can kick can also use the walking function but see the two questions below

4. When can a baby use a exersaucer upstairs

 Exersaucers with a walking function can be used upstairs providing you have a good stair gate or secured play area in place. Never use an exersaucer which allows walking upstairs without one. Static exersaucers are fine, however. 

There are also “around we go” exersaucers that allow walking but in a constrained circle, with a central play hub keeping the baby in the same area. We like these designs as they allow walking movement (which builds up muscle and technique) but don’t allow babies to wander around potentially running into hazards. 

5. When can babies use exersaucers in kitchens 

This is almost the same answer as for using a baby exersaucer upstairs – static exersaucers are fine almost anywhere including kitchens. It’s fun to be working in the kitchen and have your baby with you. They might even want to do some “helping” and for some reason wooden spoons are very popular with babies,

If the exersaucer allows walking, make sure there are no hazards of any kind that the exersaucer’s walking function will allow your baby to get near in the kitchen.

As well as kitchens, which can have hot objects, liquids etc which are all hazardous, you need to babyproof your whole house once your baby is mobile. This is going to have to happen once they are crawling or toddling in any case.

So, things to look out for are any sharp objects, power outlets, open fires, items that could topple, prickly plants, fish tanks etc.

6. When can babies use exersaucers in Cars, Vans or RVs

Any baby travel in cars or RVs should be done using a specialised and approved baby car seat that is correctly fixed to anchor points. Exersaucers must not be used with babies in cars, vans or RVs , even if they appear to be able to hold your baby and you have secured them. In some states, you will be committing an offence to do so.

7. When can my babies use the exersaucer alone

Babies should not be left alone in exersaucers for more than very short periods. In our article on the best activity centre for babies we cover all the reasons why in detail. In a nutshell babies need to feel their primary caregiver is with them or close nearby, or they will get lonely and frightened.

It is psychologically very bad parenting to leave babies for an extended period in an exersaucer. However, if you are just going to use the bathroom, answering the doorbell etc. that’s not a problem.

8. When do babies start using exersaucers bouncing functions

Most babies love exercsuacers that bounce. The best bouncing exersaucers have height adjustable platforms, so babies of many ages can use them. They are great fun for baby and great fun for you to watch them playing too.

9. When can babies start using exersaucer music centres

There are some great exersaucers that have musical functions like mini keyboards. Babies of any age will have fun whacking or pressing these and you can enjoy that too – just don’t expect a Mozart piano concerto. 

10. When can babies start using exersaucer door jumpers

Door jumpers are a special kind of exersaucer . They don’t have any activities but allow baby to power themselves with small jumps. This helps develop their muscles and provides them (and you) with some fun self -entertainment and exercise. One benefit is that they aren’t taking up floor space

A door jumper exersaucer generally attaches to interior doorways with moulding. With the best models, no tools are required and that makes it easy to move the jumper and your baby around the house from room to room

If you get an exersaucer model that has Adjustable Straps then it’s very easy to customize the height for your child, irrespective of their age.

Conclusion 

So, that was 10 answers to questions like “when can babies use exersaucers”. If there is anything else you want to be covered, please send us a comment and we’ll be happy to answer. Thanks for reading.